Mattea Turnbull | Front-End Web Developer

Mattea Turnbull

Front-End Web Developer

Let's Talk Science

Created On: November 15, 2016
Sector:
Information Technology
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Computer Science

Learn About My Career

Mattea Turnbull is a Front-End Web Developer for Let's Talk Science.

I was born/grew up in: Fredericton, New Brunswick

I now live in: London, Ontario

I completed my training/education at: University of Western Ontario and University of Alberta

As a front-end web developer, all the activities that I engage in are related to designing and developing the websites at Let’s Talk Science. My goal is to make our websites user-friendly and appealing to people who visit. On any given day I might be designing the user interface. Here I’m looking at the visual parts of the website. I work with members of my team to decide on the best way to organize and display resources we have on the sites. And after all the designing and decisions are made, I use the website program language, JavaScript, to make these designs happen.

Being a front-end web developer means you have to be comfortable with computer programming. Some mathematics is also used (for example, calculating percentages). Designing websites that are visually pleasing also makes use of mathematical properties (for example, the “golden ratio”). I use software such as Adobe Photoshop to make designs.

I have a background in mathematics, computer science and statistics. This background gives me the ability to start with a question, break it into smaller parts, and find a solution. In the case of front-end web development, it helps me design and implement a webpage that meets the user’s needs (for example, implementation of an educator resource that the user can access easily).

I have a BSc in Applied Quantitative Information Technology (AQIT) from Western University and an MSc in Applied Mathematics from the University of Alberta. In my degrees I have taken courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, computational mathematics and financial mathematics.

Initially, I had planned to go into Health Sciences in university. Due to lack of a calculus course in high school I had to take this course before I could start that program. Once I took calculus, I realized just how much I loved math, and switched into it. Later, in second year of university I switched into AQIT. This is a unique program that combines technology (computer science and computational mathematics), applied mathematics and statistics. Enjoying this study, I continued on to do a Masters degree.

Throughout university I started building and maintaining websites. I’ve always found it rewarding to build content to help users. Because of my technical background (from AQIT), the computer programming parts of front-end web development were easy to learn. Since I enjoyed it so much, I decided to make a career out of it (the best career is one that is fun!)

Creating content and websites that users enjoy to use and find helpful is highly motivating. As well, it is very motivating when you're working in Photoshop and you've designed a really great user interface.

I enjoy helping colleagues to make their material work on the web. Working with others to achieve a goal is highly rewarding, as is the positive comments from users when a website is meeting their needs.

In my job I help create websites for educators to access different resources. I spend a lot of time planning and testing websites to improve the user experience. This means I’m working to improve the usability of the websites and their resources. This increases the usage of the websites and helps the educator community with their needs.

Outside of work I spend most of my time with my two children. I also enjoy reading, weightlifting, and yoga/Pilates.

Keep your options open - seek out a variety of subjects (including ones you aren't sure you enjoy), as you never know what will eventually pique your interest.

What I do at work

As a front-end web developer, all the activities that I engage in are related to designing and developing the websites at Let’s Talk Science. My goal is to make our websites user-friendly and appealing to people who visit. On any given day I might be designing the user interface. Here I’m looking at the visual parts of the website. I work with members of my team to decide on the best way to organize and display resources we have on the sites. And after all the designing and decisions are made, I use the website program language, JavaScript, to make these designs happen.

Being a front-end web developer means you have to be comfortable with computer programming. Some mathematics is also used (for example, calculating percentages). Designing websites that are visually pleasing also makes use of mathematical properties (for example, the “golden ratio”). I use software such as Adobe Photoshop to make designs.

I have a background in mathematics, computer science and statistics. This background gives me the ability to start with a question, break it into smaller parts, and find a solution. In the case of front-end web development, it helps me design and implement a webpage that meets the user’s needs (for example, implementation of an educator resource that the user can access easily).

My career path is

I have a BSc in Applied Quantitative Information Technology (AQIT) from Western University and an MSc in Applied Mathematics from the University of Alberta. In my degrees I have taken courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, computational mathematics and financial mathematics.

Initially, I had planned to go into Health Sciences in university. Due to lack of a calculus course in high school I had to take this course before I could start that program. Once I took calculus, I realized just how much I loved math, and switched into it. Later, in second year of university I switched into AQIT. This is a unique program that combines technology (computer science and computational mathematics), applied mathematics and statistics. Enjoying this study, I continued on to do a Masters degree.

Throughout university I started building and maintaining websites. I’ve always found it rewarding to build content to help users. Because of my technical background (from AQIT), the computer programming parts of front-end web development were easy to learn. Since I enjoyed it so much, I decided to make a career out of it (the best career is one that is fun!)

I am motivated by

Creating content and websites that users enjoy to use and find helpful is highly motivating. As well, it is very motivating when you're working in Photoshop and you've designed a really great user interface.

I enjoy helping colleagues to make their material work on the web. Working with others to achieve a goal is highly rewarding, as is the positive comments from users when a website is meeting their needs.

How I affect peoples’ lives

In my job I help create websites for educators to access different resources. I spend a lot of time planning and testing websites to improve the user experience. This means I’m working to improve the usability of the websites and their resources. This increases the usage of the websites and helps the educator community with their needs.

Outside of work I

Outside of work I spend most of my time with my two children. I also enjoy reading, weightlifting, and yoga/Pilates.

My advice to others

Keep your options open - seek out a variety of subjects (including ones you aren't sure you enjoy), as you never know what will eventually pique your interest.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • History
  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Liked reading
  • Was motivated by success
  • Liked helping people
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Wanted to be in charge

Related Topics

Careers Computer Science Computers Information Technology Website Development

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